Nestled between the golden Sinai Desert and the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea, Dahab is a jewel that has successfully preserved its peaceful, laid-back character, despite being one of Egypt’s most attractive destinations. Unlike other, more crowded, tourist resorts, Dahab offers an authentic experience, perfect for travellers seeking adventure, nature and a deeper connection with the setting. Whether you come for its famous diving, its golden beaches or Bedouin hospitality, this corner of the Sinai Desert has a special magic that leaves a profound impression on every visitor.
The history and context of Dahab: from Bedouin village to a sanctuary for travellers with a bohemian vibe
The name Dahab means ‘gold’ in Arabic, and it is thought that the town owes its name to the golden sands that extend along its coast (another theory suggests that it refers to the actual gold dragged here from the desert mountains, and accumulated in the flood plain in which the town lies). Although nowadays it is a popular tourist destination, Dahab’s origins are much more humble. For centuries, Dahab was home to Bedouin tribes, who used the region as a temporary settlement on their trading expeditions around the Gulf of Aqaba. These nomadic peoples depended on the resources provided by the desert and the sea, and developed a profound relationship with the land that can still be seen in the local culture.
The modern history of Dahab began to take shape in the mid-twentieth century, when it became a stopping-off point for backpackers and hippie travellers looking for a less developed destination than other Egyptian coastal towns. In the 60s and 70s, Dahab became a refuge for more intrepid adventurers, attracted by the area’s natural beauty and its vibrant Bedouin culture. During the Israeli occupation of the Sinai peninsula, between 1967 and 1982, Dahab also held strategic importance, and that was when it began to develop a more modern infrastructure.
After the return of Sinai to Egypt in 1982, Dahab began its transformation into a tourist destination, although it has succeeded in retaining a more laid-back, bohemian atmosphere by comparison with its more developed neighbours, such as Sharm el-Sheikh. Nowadays, Dahab remains a meeting point for divers, surfers, backpackers and those seeking direct contact with nature, while its Bedouin inhabitants continue to play a vital role in the cultural life of the region. Although tourism has changed the face of this small town, you can still see Bedouins selling craft items or offering camel rides in the desert.
What you can see: Bedouin culture, biblical mountains, and adventures in the desert
Dahab’s charm derives from its simplicity and the beauty that is present on land and sea alike. A stroll along Dahab’s seafront promenade is a peaceful experience: you can find local cafés, restaurants, and little shops selling Bedouin crafts, all with impressive views of the Red Sea. The single-storey buildings and the relaxed atmosphere have helped Dahab to retain its small-town vibe, despite the growing number of tourists it attracts.
One of the star attractions is Lagoona Beach, with its golden sands and crystal-clear waters — perfect for swimming and relaxing. Although Dahab does not have the long stretches of beach to be found in other tourist resorts, its coves and bays offer unique, tranquil scenery.
In addition, Dahab is home to several historic and cultural sites that reflect its rich history. A few kilometres from the centre is St. Catherine’s Monastery, which stands at the base of Mount Sinai. Although the area owes its fame to the mountain, this orthodox sixth-century monastery is a cultural and religious gem, and houses ancient manuscripts and works of art of great historical value. For those who are interested in a spiritual experience (or who simply like impressive views), Mount Sinai itself is also an essential visit: available excursions include an ascent to the summit to see the sunrise from this biblical location where Moses received the Ten Commandments. From the summit, the views at sunrise and sunset are truly spectacular, and lots of travellers describe this as a spiritual experience.
Not too far from Dahab on the outskirts of the desert, you can go on a camel ride or a drive in a 4×4 vehicle to the oasis of Ain Khudra. This oasis is a refuge in the middle of the arid Sinai Desert, where visitors can relax in the shade of the palm trees and a enjoy a Bedouin tea while they discover the traditional culture of the local inhabitants.
Diving in Dahab: an undersea paradise in the Red Sea
Diving in Dahab is, without a doubt, one of the highlights of this destination. The Red Sea is famous for its abundant marine life and amazing coral reefs, and Dahab is no exception. The town boasts several world-class diving points that attract divers of all levels, from novices to experts.
One of the most famous spots is the Blue Hole, an undersea sinkhole over 100 metres deep, whose fame derives from both its beauty and its danger. Although it is a brilliant spot for technical diving, it is also suitable for novices who simply want to enjoy snorkelling and observing the marine life near the surface.
Another outstanding spot is the Canyon, a series of undersea caves that offer a unique diving experience. Divers can explore the walls of the canyon and admire the impressive coral formations that cling to its sides. The water in Dahab is clear enough so that you can see the vibrant colours of the coral and the marine fauna even at considerable depth.
Other water-based activities: kitesurfing, windsurfing and snorkelling
Dahab is also heaven on Earth for water sports enthusiasts. Thanks to the winds that constantly blow from the desert, this town is one of the best places in Egypt for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Lagoona Beach is the favourite spot for lovers of these sports to glide along the surface of the water, taking advantage of the ideal conditions offered by Dahab.
Snorkelling is another activity that you won’t want to miss. Even if you are not a qualified diver, you can enjoy the riches of the Red Sea with no more than a mask and a breathing tube. Eel Garden, a beach near the centre of Dahab, is famous for its colonies of garden eels that protrude from the sandy sea bed, and offers a fascinating underwater spectacle.
Local excursions: between the desert and the Red Sea, stopping off at Bedouin camps
Apart from the excursions already mentioned, there are two places very close to Dahab where you can immerse yourself completely in the scenery and culture. The first is Jebel Makhroum, an emblematic mountain whose name means ‘mountain with a hole’, due to a natural opening near its peak. Visitors generally travel across the desert to Jebel Makhroum either by camel or in 4×4 vehicles. More adventurous visitors will find that the trip is worth making: the summit affords panoramic views of the undulating dunes, of the mountains of Sinai, and of the sea in the distance. Excursions normally include stop-offs at Bedouin camps where you can enjoy a traditional tea and learn more about life in the desert.
Another essential visit is to Ras Abu Galum, a coastal nature reserve to the north of Dahab. This park, part of the Nabq protected area, is a paradise for those who love nature and adventure. Ras Abu Galum is famous, not only for its virtually pristine coral reefs and its natural biodiversity, but also for its majestic mountains and its tranquil desert beaches. The journey to reach Ras Abu Galum is an adventure in itself, as you can travel by boat or you can hike there from the nearby Blue Lagoon, another of the area’s highlights. The quiet, secluded ambience of Ras Abu Galum makes this a perfect sanctuary for those seeking an authentic experience, away from the typical tourist trails.
